Everyone says that working with children is exhausting and difficult. It can be, for sure. The many disciplines like teaching, social work, and counseling are fantastic and rewarding experiences. The other professional fields, like being a doctor or lawyer, aren't necessarily surrounded with blocks or puppets, but working with children can certainly benefit your job!
So, why am I an expert? I'm not an expert all. I applied for a school support staff job at a daycare with very little experience (literally didn't know how to change a diaper until my first day!!!) and now I've been working at my wonderful center for 2 years. I've learned the do's and don'ts of working with children by floating. (Floating means hopping from class to class, whenever a teacher needs you, etc.) I also have amazing co-workers who know how to work with kids, and have been doing so for many years! One of the biggest lessons you can learn from this article is that you simply never stop learning. Children are extremely different and vary within personality. And, the work you do with a child impacts them for the rest of their lives. I wouldn't be who I am without the support of my daycare, elementary, and middle school teachers. They prepared me for life now as a college student.
Here are some tips/thoughts about my experience with kids:
1. Do not be scared or tense of the children.
I know, this is a really common factor but kids aren't scary!!! They may be ferocious and smelly at times, but they are so loving. Children will love on you, as long as you love them too. One of my talented co-workers told me that how you behave around a child reflects how they treat you too. Don't be angry or upset. They pick up on social cues. If you want them to be happy, you should be happy yourself.
2. Make it your duty to have the kids on your mind while you are in charge - nothing else matters.
This is a tip that my father told me when I started working at my daycare. It is essential that you protect the kids and make them you're #1 when you are working. When a child is in your care, the parent is allowing you to take care of their #1 prized possession. Have some fun, play some games, but make sure you are concerned about their health and safety. This also means you shouldn't flirt or express PDA with your other co worker or significant other with kids in the classroom. Yes, giving a hug to a friend is okay, but you should not be talking about your personal life with kids in the room. Overall, keep it appropriate in the social interactions with other adults. If there is something you need to absolutely say and you feel it's not appropriate - wait until after work. Also pro tip: if you flirt with your coworkers, you're going to get talked about by the kids and your fellow teachers. It doesn't make you look professional.
3. It depends on the situation, but do not try to be only a friend to a child. Be a role model, and a caregiver.
This doesn't mean "HEY, YOU NEED TO BE A PARENT RIGHT NOW!" for this child, but you are not their friend. You are a teacher, and your job is to make sure the kids are safe. Yes, they should have fun and there's nothing wrong with playing a game or two with them. However, you shouldn't let them walk all over you. Show them love, encouragement, and support - but also don't be afraid to tell them to clean up their mess after lunch time!
4. Smile, keep things positive, and make the activities appropriate.
Just remember with a bunch of kids, do not swear or give them weird activities to do. It's great to explain to a child what is going on in our world. Or discussing the serious issues is cool. But again, if it's too inappropriate, my always go-to is: "Why don't you ask your mommy or daddy about that?"
5. Keep the kids busy!
Kids get really bored easily. Looking up ideas on Pinterest is a great way to get started! This is easily done. If there is a structured activity, the kids won't get bored and they will listen to you, most likely.
6.Being a support teacher is the best job because you can learn how to work with kids, without any experience.
It takes time, and I am still learning for sure, but I love working with kids. It's made me more disciplined and responsible. It made me want to work in my future career. I am still learning, but I love being a teacher!
